49ers Legend Roger Craig Headed to Pro Football Hall of Fame

Craig's long-awaited enshrinement cements his place among the game's all-time greats.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The NFL officially announced that San Francisco 49ers legend Roger Craig has been selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. Craig, a pioneer who helped redefine the running back position, spent 11 seasons in the NFL, including eight with the 49ers, where he became a cornerstone of the franchise's 1980s dynasty.

Why it matters

Craig's selection to the Hall of Fame recognizes his significant impact on the game of football, as he transformed the expectations for the modern running back with his versatility and signature high-knee running style. His accomplishments, including being the first player to record 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season, and winning three Super Bowls with the 49ers, cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats.

The details

In 1985, Craig became the first player in NFL history to record at least 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. He finished with 1,050 rushing yards and a league-leading 92 receptions for 1,016 receiving yards. Craig went on to win three Super Bowls with the 49ers (XIX, XXIII, XXIV) and made history in Super Bowl XIX by becoming the first player to score three touchdowns in a single Super Bowl. His 1988 season further solidified his legacy, as he was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for a career-high 1,502 yards and totaling 2,036 yards from scrimmage.

  • The NFL officially announced Craig's Hall of Fame selection on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • Craig spent 11 seasons in the NFL, including eight with the San Francisco 49ers from 1983 to 1990.

The players

Roger Craig

A San Francisco 49ers legend and pioneer who helped redefine the running back position, Craig was selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026.

Ronnie Lott

A former teammate of Craig's on the 49ers, Lott delivered the news to Craig that he had been selected for the Hall of Fame.

Charles Haley

Another former 49ers teammate of Craig's, Haley joined Lott in delivering the Hall of Fame news to Craig.

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What’s next

The Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony for the Class of 2026, which includes Roger Craig, is scheduled to take place in August 2026.

The takeaway

Roger Craig's selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of his transformative impact on the running back position and his integral role in the 49ers' 1980s dynasty. His accomplishments, including being the first player to record 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season and winning three Super Bowls, cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats of the game.